Hi there! My name is Gary Brown (KC4VNU). I live in a little town located in the Western suburbs of downtown Chicago called West Chicago, Illinois.
Among a wide variety of other interests, I'm a licensed Amateur Radio (or Ham Radio) Operator by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). My callsign is KC4VNU -- a General class license. I received my operating license in January 1991 (Technician-Plus) and have been enjoying this wonderful hobby ever since. I upgraded my license to General Class in December 2000.
But, if you're not already a Ham Operator (or know one), you're probably wondering: "Just what exactly is...
Ham radio is one of the most exciting, friendly, useful, educational and high-tech hobbies. Hams include a diverse group of people around the world -- engineers, scientists, doctors, astronauts, students, teachers, boaters, pilots, retirees and even famous celebrities. You just never know who you're going to talk to "on-the-air" next.
Ham Radio is a federally licensed and administrated radio service. Operators study for and take exams to acquire their operating licenses (and callsigns). Anyone, regardless of age, gender or physical ability can get a license. Once licensed, Ham Radio Operators use their radio stations (including two-way radios, computers, antennas, satellites and other equipment) to make contacts around the world from their homes, cars, boats and planes. With Ham Radio you can:
- Make Contacts Around the Globe
- Use Small Handheld Radios for Local Communications
- Make Free & Unlimited Wireless Phone Calls
- Use Your Computer for Wireless Connectivity
- Design or Construct Radios, Antennas & Electronics
|
- Provide Communications for Public Services
- Contact the Space Shuttle Astronauts
- Make Contacts Via Satellites
- Bounce Signals Off The Moon for Contacts
- And So Much More
|
But there's also a serious side to this hobby. Amatuer Radio was established to provide citizens with a means to hone their radio operating skills for times of emergency. You see, Ham Radio Operators are often called upon in times of disaster. Hams can handle emergency communications for police, fire, government and other public service organizations during hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, fires, accidents, search and rescue, and other emergencies. With Ham Radio, you can provide a valuable public service.
Now, if you have an interest in Ham Radio, I highly recommend that you at least investigate it a little further. Studying for and acquiring your license is not difficult at all. Study manuals for the entry level license (which is a 30 question test) are available at Radio Shack. Getting my Amateur Radio license was one of the best things I ever did for myself. A great place to learn more about Ham Radio is the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Additinoally, I welcome you to contact me with any questions.
Ham Radio need not be expensive. My station and equipment is quite "humble" by comparison, (albiet, I've had quite a variety of equipment over the years) but it proves sufficient for my purposes. My station equipment includes:
Yaesu FT-847 Earthstation HF/VHF/UHF All-Mode Transceiver
This addition was a little treat for myself after upgrading to the General Class license. I'm very impressed with its performance on *ALL* bands (in all modes). I've successfully interfaced it with the West Mountain Radio RigBlaster Plus for digital modes on HF, VHF and UHF -- including CW, PSK31, Packet, APRS and Slow Scan Television. I've also used it for some limited satellite phone and data connectivity on my dualband VHF/UHF vertical antenna. For HF (and 6-meters) I use a G5-RV Jr. antenna and MFJ-949E antenna tuner with *VERY* good success. |
Yaesu FT-817 Portable HF/VHF/UHF All-Mode Transceiver
I picked this little toy up at the 2002 Dayton Hamfest as a little gift to myself. I keep this radio, a couple solar panels, and the Miracle Whip antenna all in my briefcase and sometimes go out to the local park (near my office) for lunch and a little DX. It's definitely fun to be working the world on 5-watts solar-powered QRP on a 48-inch whip antenna from a park bench! I've successfully made numerous contacts using this setup on 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10-meters. BTW, the addition of a 16-foot counterpoise wire (attached to the ground of the radio) has greatly improved the performance of the Miracle Whip antenna. I'm starting to LOVE portable QRP now -- I don't travel anywhere without it.
UPDATE (6/15/2004): I now have the PV-7 Portable Multiband HF Vertical Antenna which ROCKS. I'm able to work QRP contacts without any difficulty now -- this antenna is INCREDIBLY efficient and portable (it all collapses to only 12-inches and fits inside my briefcase "ham shack" along with all my other ham gear). INCREDIBLE! You can now order these antennas online at: http://www.airtronix.com/pv-7/ |
Kenwood TM-D700A (2m/70cm) Mobile FM/Data Transceiver
I loved this radio so much, that I actually own two of them -- one in my car and one at the house. These are INCREDIBLE dualband (144/440 MHz) transcievers featuring (among MANY other things) APRS and Packet Data functionality (at both 1200 and 9600 baud rates). You can actually send/receive email and track other stations via GPS. It has a very large, attactive LCD display, plenty of memory channels, bells and whistles to satisfy even the pickiest of electronic gurus... LIKE ME! :) I highly, HIGHLY recommend this radio to EVERY Ham -- it is a MUST have! The absolute best VHF/UHF mogile radio I've ever owned! For more informaiton about APRS operation and tracking, visit http://www.findu.com |
Kenwood TH-D7A Dualband (2m/70cm) Handheld FM/Data Transceiver
This is my latest portable radio -- mainly to compliment the mobile Kenwood TM-D700A above but I also use in for handheld APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) while in other vehicles like my aircraft or powered paraglider (requiring external GPS data input). It features dualband 144 MHZ and 440 MHz operation, variable 6-watt, 2½-watt and ultra-low power 50-milliwatt RF output (the ultra low power is perfect for crossband repeating or Echolink operation, 200 alpha-numeric memory channels, computer programmable (a must have these days) and has great out-of-band reception (for monitoring, police, fire, aviation, FRS, GMRS and other radio services). This is a GREAT radio for portable data (APRS or Packet -- 1200 or 9600 buad) and even day-to-day FM voice operation (although it is a little on the bulky side). I just wish Kenwood would build a GPS receiver into the radio! |
Yaesu VX-5R Triband (6m/2m/70cm) Handheld FM Transceiver
I've had this radio for a while now -- and it is simply *INCREDIBLE*! It features: surprisingly sensative wide-band AM/Narrow-FM/Wide-FM coverage (RX 0~20, 48~728 & 800~999 Mhz (cellular/cellular IF blocked) and TX 50~54, 144~148, 420~450 MHz)), variable .500~5-watt RF output, PL/CTCSS subaudible tones, digital coded squelch (DCS), 220 memories, alphanumeric/icon display, computer programmable (very nice), direct entry, spectrum analyser, temperature display, optional barometer/altimeter, speed dialing, voltage display and much more. Nearly every feature of this radio is user programmable. I highly recommend this radio (although the newer Yaesu VX-7R is a newer version of this radio and packs even more features in an equally tiny package). It's very nice being able to catch TV, AM & FM broadcasts. It can be a little sensative to intermod (but what do you want for a highly senstive wide banded receiver). The stock antenna works surprisingly well too (even comes with an attachment when monitoring below 50MHz). |
Alinco DJ-C5T dualband (2m/70cm) "Credit Card" Handheld FM Transceiver
I just added this radio to the collection in 2004. WOW! What a toy! It's literally the size of a credit card (see the pictures) and I now carry with me just about everywhere in my shirt pocket. And, while it's only 350mw of RF output power, it does get into the local repeaters, has a great receiver and is perfect for everyday usage (especially for crossbanding or Echolink at home). RX and TX: 118.0 - 179 and 380 - 474 MHz. Everywhere I go, people (most who don't even know what it is and assume it's a cellphone) comment that they "love it". It's definitely right down my alley -- Dick Tracy like -- carrying this awesome (and admittedly cute) multipurpose transceiver, scanner and all around cool toy in my shirt pocket! "Don't leave home without it!" :) |
Realistic Pro-2005 Programmable AM/FM Scanner
This receiver has been the mainstay of my shack for many years now. The 2005 (and 2006 pictured here) are nearly identical radios and are probably some of the most popular scanners out there. It features: wide frequency coverage (25~520, 760~1300 MHz), 400 programmable memories, AM/Narrow-FM/Wide-FM modes, delay, lock-out, 10-memory groups (40 channels each), sound squelch (skips quiet carriers). This scanner is incredibly sensative. |
Below is a snapshot of my station activity (of authenticated QSOs as logged on eSQL). I'm currently pursuing the eQSL Worked-All-States (WAS) Award and could use help from any authenticated eSQL Ham Radio Operators who reside in my list of states still needed.
I run APRS GPS Tracking in my vehicle (as KC4VNU), at home (as KC4VNU-2) and sometimes in my aircraft (as KC4VNU-3); you can track me at this link.
If you're not familiar with QSL Cards, they are merely postcards that Ham Radio Operators exchange with one another to confirm contacts with one another. (QSL is a radio code commonly used for confirmation or acknowledgement.) A QSL Card will contain the callsign, name, location, station information and sometimes pictures of the operator and will detail the date, time, frequency, mode, RST (readability, signal strength and tone) and other comments regarding the QSO (another radio code for contact or conversation). Many Hams collect (and proudly display) the QSL Cards that they receive from other Hams around the world.
Again, you need not spend much money on your QSL Cards. I created my own QSL Card by designing it with Corel Draw and Paint Shop Pro and printing it with my Hewlett Packard Deskjet 970cse Professional Injet Printer on photo stock card stock paper. (I've discovered that the "HP Premium Plus Photo Paper" at 9mil works best. However, because the inks are water soluble, my little trick is to spray the card with a artist's fixative (available at most any art or hobby supply store) to protect it during mailing. The result is a very professional looking QSL card. I encourage every Ham to create their own custome cards too.
Here are some of my favorite Ham Radio web links...
- Aviation -- I'm a private pilot flying a Cessna 152, Cessna 172 and Piper Arrow
- Powerd Paragliding -- I'm just crazy enough to fly a paraglider [parachute] with a engine/propeller strapped to my back (it's more fun than *ANY* other aircraft I've piloted)
- United States Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) -- I volunteer as a pilot and operations officer for emergency services, search & rescue, aerospace education and mentoring cadets
- Rocketry I mostly enjoy making (or repacking) my own solid rocket propellants; It really *IS* rocket science
- Amateur Astronomy -- I like imaging deep space object like galaxies, nebuleas and planets
- Motorcycles -- I currently drive a Kawasaki 500EX Sportbike but want to buy a Honda CBR-600fi
- Guitar & Synthesizer -- I've really enjoy strumming out tunes on the guitar
- Computers & Electronics -- I love gadgets, computers and designing my own custom microprocessor controlled electronics (it also earns my living)
- Marine Aquariums -- Keeps me connected with my Florida roots
If you have any comments or questions about Ham Radio (or anything on this web page for that matter), I welcome you to contact me using any of the following:
|
